A newborn had a bowel resection with temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung disease. The practical nurse should alert the supervising registered nurse about which postoperative finding?
- A. Moderate amount of blood-tinged mucus from the stoma on postoperative day 2
- B. Small amount of non-formed stool in the colostomy bag on postoperative day 6
- C. Stoma bleeds a small amount during colostomy bag change on postoperative day 3
- D. Stoma is gray-tinged at the edges but pink at the center on postoperative day 5
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A gray-tinged stoma suggests ischemia or poor perfusion, which is a critical finding requiring immediate reporting to assess for stoma viability.
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A student nurse is preparing to administer the hepatitis B vaccine to a newborn. Which statement by the student nurse requires the preceptor to provide further teaching?
- A. A 5/8-inch, 25-gauge needle is appropriate for intramuscular injection in newborns.
- B. I will clean the injection site with an antiseptic swab before administration.
- C. I will draw the medication into a 1-mL syringe.
- D. The medication should be administered into the deltoid muscle.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The deltoid muscle is not developed enough in newborns for intramuscular injections. The hepatitis B vaccine should be administered in the anterolateral thigh.
A client complaining of severe shortness of breath is diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The nurse observes a falling pulse oximetry. The client's color changes to gray and she expectorates large amounts of pink frothy sputum. The first action of the nurse would be which of the following?
- A. Call the health care provider
- B. Check vital signs
- C. Position in high Fowler's
- D. Administer oxygen
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administer oxygen. In a medical emergency, airway and breathing are prioritized. Oxygen administration addresses the immediate respiratory distress.
The nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis. Which of the following assessment findings would warrant immediate follow up?
- A. Black, tarry stool
- B. Bright red-streaked stool
- C. Light gray clay-colored stool
- D. Small, dry, rocky stool
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Black, tarry stool (melena) indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious complication in cirrhosis due to portal hypertension or varices, requiring immediate intervention.
The nurse is caring for a client who is confused and is in soft wrist restraints. Which tasks can the nurse safely assign to unlicensed assistive personnel? Select all that apply.
- A. Assist the client with using a bedpan
- B. Check circulation and sensation of the extremities
- C. Perform range-of-motion exercises
- D. Report changes in skin integrity
- E. Turn and reposition the client in bed
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: UAP can assist with bedpan use (A), perform range-of-motion exercises (C), report skin changes (D), and reposition the client (E). Checking circulation and sensation (B) requires nursing assessment skills.
A 35-year-old client of Puerto Rican-American descent is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The client states, 'I refuse both radiation and chemotherapy because they are 'hot.' The next action for the nurse to take is to
- A. document the situation in the notes
- B. report the situation to the health care provider
- C. explain the client to the child's disease
- D. ask the client to talk about concerns regarding 'hot' treatments
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: ask the client to talk about concerns regarding 'hot' treatments. The 'hot-cold' system is found among Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other Hispanic-Latinos. Most foods, beverages, herbs, and medicines are categorized as hot or cold, which are symbolic designations and do not necessarily indicate temperature or spiciness. Care and treatment regimens can be negotiated with clients within this framework.